Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick Silently Shut Down Feud Rumors With Warm Reunion During ‘Another Simple Favor’ Promo
Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick have officially squashed months of speculation about a supposed rift between them—and they did it with grace, smiles, and undeniable chemistry. The A Simple Favor co-stars reunited in London on April 15 to promote their much-anticipated sequel Another Simple Favor, and their warm interaction made it clear: any talk of a feud is simply fiction.
The duo appeared together at the elegant Corinthia Hotel, beaming for photographers and standing arm in arm as they posed for press. Blake Lively, 37, looked effortlessly chic in a cream-trimmed black cardigan paired with a sleek mini skirt and stylish knee-high boots. Anna Kendrick, 39, complemented the vibe with a vibrant red vest and skirt set, completed with gold heels that added sparkle to her look.
Their easy camaraderie at the event served as a visual mic drop for fans who had been speculating that tensions were brewing behind the scenes.
The Root of the Rumors
Talk of a possible feud between the two stars began swirling in early 2025 following a few eyebrow-raising interviews from Kendrick. While attending South by Southwest (SXSW) in March to promote Another Simple Favor, Anna was asked by Entertainment Tonight how it felt to reunite with her co-star. Her cryptic reply—“Oh, you know…”—raised questions online, with fans dissecting her tone and facial expressions.
Later that night, she gave another puzzling response during a red carpet interview with Variety, where she was asked her thoughts on current events. Anna jokingly responded, “Why, what happened? I did ayahuasca, and the last year of my life is just gone,” leading to even more speculation.
Despite the quips, Kendrick remained supportive of the film itself, telling the outlet, “I’ve heard the movie’s amazing,” albeit in her signature deadpan tone. Her quirky answers, while likely meant as humor, added fuel to the fire for those already invested in the idea of a behind-the-scenes spat.
No Drama, Just Friendship
However, sources close to the project have repeatedly insisted that there’s never been any animosity between Blake and Anna.
“There is no drama,” a source confirmed to E! News back in February. “They’re not enemies, not even close. They’re coworkers, collaborators—and they’ve become friends over time. Everything is fine.”
Director Paul Feig, who has helmed both A Simple Favor films, also took to social media in January to slam the feud rumors directly. Quoting a now-deleted speculative tweet, Feig wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “This is total BS. Sorry. Don’t believe anything you read on social media these days.”
A Complicated Backdrop: Blake’s Legal Battle With Justin Baldoni
The chatter around Lively and Kendrick’s relationship also came amid a more serious, high-profile issue involving Lively. In December 2024, the It Ends With Us actress filed a complaint with California’s Civil Rights Department (CRD) against her co-star and producer Justin Baldoni and several individuals connected to his company, Wayfarer Studios.
According to the CRD complaint—obtained by E! News and The New York Times—Lively alleged that Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and multiple associated individuals, including CEO Jamey Heath, publicist Jennifer Abel, and crisis management specialist Melissa Nathan, retaliated against her after she raised concerns about misconduct on set. The allegations detailed “invasive, unwelcome, unprofessional and sexually inappropriate behavior” by Baldoni and Heath that allegedly affected both Lively and other cast and crew members.
In her statement to The New York Times, Lively expressed her hopes that speaking out might help others who face similar intimidation tactics. “I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted.”
Industry Reactions and Fallout
The reaction to Lively’s complaint was swift and wide-reaching. The New York Times followed up on December 21 with an extensive exposé citing internal communications between Baldoni’s team and PR professionals, which Lively included in her complaint as evidence of a calculated smear campaign.
In response, attorney Bryan Freedman, representing Baldoni and Wayfarer, issued a fiery denial, calling Lively’s claims “categorically false” and accusing her of attempting to shift blame for negative publicity during the It Ends With Us press tour. He also insisted that Wayfarer’s crisis planning was industry-standard and not retaliatory.
That same day, Baldoni was dropped by his talent agency, William Morris Endeavor (WME). The agency’s decision was confirmed by Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel. Despite rumors that Blake’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, had influenced WME’s move, the agency clarified that no such pressure was applied and that Reynolds had no involvement.
“This is not true,” WME stated. “Baldoni’s former representative was not even present at the Deadpool & Wolverine premiere, nor was there any pressure from Reynolds or Lively to sever ties.”
Lively Gains Widespread Support
In the days following the publication of Lively’s CRD complaint and the Times report, support poured in from fans, co-stars, and industry peers. Colleen Hoover, the author of It Ends With Us, expressed unwavering support for Lively on Instagram, writing, “You have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive, and patient since the day we met.”
Jenny Slate, who appeared alongside Lively in It Ends With Us, issued a formal statement praising her as a “leader” and “loyal friend,” adding, “What has been revealed about the attack on Blake is terribly dark, disturbing, and wholly threatening.”
Brandon Sklenar, who played Lively’s love interest in the film, also linked to the New York Times article, captioning, “For the love of God read this.”
Furthermore, Blake’s longtime friends and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants co-stars—America Ferrera, Alexis Bledel, and Amber Tamblyn—released a joint message of solidarity, stating, “We stand with her.”
Fallout Extends to The Man Enough Podcast
Amid the intensifying controversy, Liz Plank—author and cohost of The Man Enough Podcast, which Baldoni and Heath also co-hosted—announced her departure from the show. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Plank said, “I have had my representatives inform Wayfarer that I will no longer be co-hosting The Man Enough podcast.”
Though she didn’t directly cite the allegations as her reason for leaving, the timing of her exit—just days after Lively’s complaint—spoke volumes.
“We all deserve better,” Plank added. “And I know that together, we can create it.”
Looking Ahead
As Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick continue to promote Another Simple Favor, their united front is a reminder that actions speak louder than cryptic quotes or internet speculation. While Lively handles a serious legal matter with resilience and widespread industry support, she and Kendrick are proving that their professional bond remains intact—and fans are still eager to see them back on screen together.
Whether or not the public ever learns the full story behind the rumored tension, their April reunion speaks volumes: they’re here to work, and they’re doing it side by side.
Justin Baldoni, Wayfarer, and Associates Entangled in Lawsuits Over Alleged Smear Campaign and Workplace Misconduct
The ongoing legal battle surrounding It Ends With Us director and star Justin Baldoni has escalated into a complex web of lawsuits involving his former publicist, current PR team, actress Blake Lively, and media outlets like The New York Times. Allegations of defamation, breach of contract, and retaliatory tactics have ignited one of the most high-profile industry controversies in recent memory.
Dec. 24, 2024: Baldoni’s Ex-Publicist Sues Him and Wayfarer
Stephanie Jones, the former publicist for Justin Baldoni and founder of PR agency Jonesworks LLC, filed a civil lawsuit in New York against Baldoni, his production company Wayfarer Studios, his current publicist identified as “Abel,” and crisis communications consultant “Nathan.”
According to court documents obtained by NBC News, Jones alleges that Abel and Nathan “conspired in secret for months” to not only damage her professional reputation but also to orchestrate a smear campaign against an unnamed film co-star—now widely believed to be Blake Lively.
The suit claims that after Jones raised internal concerns and sought arbitration, Baldoni and Wayfarer abruptly cut ties with Jonesworks, repudiating their contractual obligations. Furthermore, Abel and Nathan are accused of defamation, business interference, and stealing Jones’s clients, while falsely blaming her for the media fallout that followed the film’s on-set controversy.
Dec. 31, 2024: Baldoni and Wayfarer Sue The New York Times
In response to a December exposé by The New York Times that detailed alleged misconduct and a retaliatory PR campaign targeting Blake Lively, Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and several PR and communications associates—including Heath, Sarowitz, TAG, Abel, and Nathan—filed a defamation lawsuit against the publication.
The plaintiffs allege that the Times knowingly published a misleading and damaging article based heavily on Blake Lively’s Civil Rights Division (CRD) complaint without proper journalistic vetting. The lawsuit accuses the Times of libel, promissory fraud, and false light invasion of privacy. It claims the article presented Lively’s version of events nearly verbatim, while ignoring thousands of internal documents that allegedly contradicted her claims.
The New York Times stood by its reporting, stating, “Our story was meticulously and responsibly reported based on thousands of original documents, including texts and emails quoted accurately and in full context.”
Dec. 31, 2024: Blake Lively Counters with Her Own Lawsuit
On the same day Baldoni sued The New York Times, actress Blake Lively filed a federal lawsuit in the Southern District of New York against Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, Heath, Sarowitz, Nathan, Abel, TAG, and the production entity behind It Ends With Us, It Ends With Us Movie LLC.
Lively’s claims are grave. She accuses the defendants of sexual harassment, retaliation, failure to investigate or prevent harassment, and both intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit expands on her earlier CRD complaint and asserts that after raising concerns about inappropriate behavior on set, she became the target of a coordinated retaliatory smear campaign.
Her legal team criticized Baldoni’s countersuit as a distraction tactic meant to intimidate her and shift public focus. “This is not a creative dispute or a feud—it’s about accountability for workplace harassment,” Lively’s lawyers stated.
Jan. 2, 2025: Baldoni’s Legal Team Threatens More Lawsuits
Just days after the lawsuits filed by and against Baldoni, his lawyer Freedman told NBC News in an exclusive interview that “this is not the end” and more legal actions were forthcoming.
Without naming Blake Lively directly in that lawsuit, the legal team signaled clear intentions to sue her next, accusing her of orchestrating the media narrative against Baldoni using selective and edited evidence.
Jan. 7, 2025: Ryan Reynolds, Deadpool, and Social Media Buzz
Adding another layer of intrigue, fans speculated that Blake Lively’s husband Ryan Reynolds subtly mocked Baldoni in his film Deadpool & Wolverine through a character called “Nicepool.” While Reynolds has not addressed these claims, they quickly gained traction on social media.
In response, Baldoni’s lawyer Freedman condemned Reynolds’ rumored jab, stating on The Megyn Kelly Show, “If your wife has been sexually harassed, you don’t make jokes about the accused. You take the matter seriously.”
Lively’s Legal Team Speaks Out Again
On the same day, Blake Lively’s attorneys released a new statement emphasizing the seriousness of her claims and refuting attempts to frame the legal matter as a “he said/she said” drama.
“Ms. Lively’s complaint is not just about her—it’s about systemic retaliation and harassment in the entertainment industry,” her lawyers said. “The response by Wayfarer and its associates has only reinforced her claims.”
They also denounced the alleged victim-blaming tactics used by Baldoni’s camp and reiterated that legal proceedings—not media narratives—will ultimately decide the truth.
Baldoni’s Camp Releases “Receipts”
In another statement, Freedman alleged that Lively’s team preemptively shared selectively edited evidence with The New York Times to shape the public narrative. He announced plans to release the full set of communications, claiming they show a “pattern of bullying” from Lively and a strategic effort to manipulate production decisions on the film.
“We have all the receipts,” he said, implying that a broader campaign to discredit Baldoni was already in motion before any official complaint was filed.
The Road Ahead
With lawsuits filed on multiple fronts—by a former publicist, a co-star, and against a major media outlet—Justin Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and all involved parties are facing intense scrutiny. As of now, neither side shows any intention of backing down.
The legal proceedings are expected to stretch into 2025 and possibly beyond, making this one of Hollywood’s most complex and closely watched cases involving sexual harassment, workplace culture, and the power dynamics behind the scenes of major film productions.
Jan. 16, 2025 – Lawsuit Filed Against Lively, Reynolds & Associates
Justin Baldoni, alongside production company Wayfarer, publicist Abel, crisis strategist Nathan, and It Ends With Us Movie LLC, filed a sweeping civil lawsuit in New York against Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, her publicist Leslie Sloane, and Sloane’s firm, Vision PR. The plaintiffs alleged civil extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy through false light.
Lively faced additional accusations, including breaching the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Both she and Reynolds were accused of deliberately disrupting contractual relationships and interfering with future business prospects.
The suit pushed back against Lively’s prior claims of harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign, alleging she hijacked control of the film and then colluded with Reynolds, Sloane, and others to publicly damage the plaintiffs’ reputations following backlash tied to the movie’s marketing. According to the complaint, this group allegedly worked with The New York Times to publish a “highly damaging and inaccurate” report. The Times maintained its confidence in its reporting.
Freedman, Baldoni’s attorney, stated, “Blake Lively either misunderstood the facts severely or knowingly distorted them.”
Jan. 16, 2025 – Lively’s Legal Team Fires Back
In response, Lively’s legal representatives blasted the lawsuit as a retaliatory and manipulative tactic, labeling it “a textbook move from the abuser’s playbook.” They referenced the DARVO strategy—Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender—often seen in such cases.
They contended Baldoni was attempting to rewrite the narrative following her harassment claims, stating that Sony, not Lively, had assigned her oversight of the final cut of the film, which later became a success. They emphasized that her allegations were backed by documentation, while Baldoni’s defense, they argued, blamed the victim and attempted to discredit her based on her appearance and intentions.
Jan. 21, 2025 – Behind-the-Scenes Footage Released
Baldoni’s legal team released behind-the-scenes video footage from It Ends With Us, asserting it undermines Lively’s characterization of his on-set behavior. According to their statement, both actors were fully engaged in performing an emotionally intimate scene with professionalism and mutual respect.
Lively’s camp strongly disagreed. They claimed the video supported her complaint, citing her visible discomfort and repeated attempts to redirect the scene. Her team said the footage demonstrated a lack of consent, with Baldoni improvising physical interaction without prior discussion.
Jan. 22, 2025 – Gag Order Sought on Baldoni’s Lawyer
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds requested that the court impose a gag order on Baldoni’s attorney, Freedman. The couple argued it was necessary to prevent potentially prejudicial public commentary during ongoing litigation.
Jan. 27, 2025 – Voice Memo from Baldoni to Lively Leaked
A voice message reportedly sent by Baldoni to Lively surfaced online. In the seven-minute audio, he referenced a rooftop scene that Lively rewrote and praised the creative input from Reynolds and their friend Taylor Swift. He admitted mishandling her script, stating, “I f–ked up” and promised to own his failures.
Jan. 27, 2025 – Trial Date Set for 2026
A New York court scheduled the trial for March 9, 2026—marking the formal progression of the lawsuit Lively initially filed against Baldoni a month earlier.
Jan. 31, 2025 – The New York Times Named in $400 Million Lawsuit
Baldoni amended his counterclaim to include The New York Times, alleging the outlet conspired with Lively and her associates to publish misleading narratives. The revised filing accused the publication of altering and misrepresenting communications to support Lively’s claims. This legal action is separate from an existing $250 million suit Baldoni previously filed against the newspaper.
Feb. 2, 2025 – Baldoni’s Legal Team Launches Lawsuit Website
Baldoni’s team launched a website dedicated to the legal case, posting court documents and a detailed timeline of events. The platform also included alleged text exchanges between Baldoni, Lively, and Reynolds.
Freedman stated their intent was transparency, telling NBC News, “We want every message and document available so the public can see the truth.”
Feb. 18, 2025 – Lively’s Amended Complaint Introduces New Witnesses
In a new filing, Lively’s attorneys introduced accounts from two unnamed women who also allegedly experienced Baldoni’s inappropriate conduct during filming. The complaint emphasized that Baldoni had acknowledged these concerns in writing as far back as May 2023.
The identities of the women remained confidential due to concerns over potential retaliation and harassment. Baldoni’s team dismissed the updated complaint as “hearsay” and claimed the witnesses were unwilling to support the allegations publicly.
Feb. 20, 2025 – Sloane Seeks Dismissal from the Lawsuit
Leslie Sloane, Lively’s longtime publicist, requested the court to remove her from the case. She argued that there was no factual basis to the claims made against her and that her inclusion was a strategic distraction intended to dilute Lively’s accusations.
Feb. 28, 2025 – Lively Brings on Former CIA Official
Lively expanded her legal team by hiring Nick Shapiro, former Deputy Chief of Staff at the CIA, to consult on crisis communications. Shapiro, now head of 10th Avenue Consulting, was brought in to guide her public messaging amid the ongoing legal battle.
Feb. 28, 2025 – The New York Times Moves to Exit the Lawsuit
The New York Times filed a formal request to be dismissed from the $400 million lawsuit. The outlet described Baldoni’s accusations as a “one-sided narrative” that had no place in the legal case. They asserted the matter should be resolved between the involved parties, not the press.
March 4, 2025 – Discovery Halted in Lawsuit Against The Times
Judge Lewis J. Liman granted The New York Times’ request to pause discovery while he reviewed their dismissal motion. He noted the newspaper had a strong legal basis for removal from the suit and that Baldoni’s side would not be unfairly impacted by the delay.
A spokesperson for The Times expressed appreciation for the ruling, citing the protection of journalistic freedoms and First Amendment rights.
Final Thought
The legal battle between Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively, and their respective teams has rapidly escalated into one of the most high-profile and contentious disputes in Hollywood. What began as a clash over creative control and allegations of misconduct on the set of It Ends With Us has unfolded into a multi-layered legal war involving defamation, harassment claims, and major media outlets like The New York Times. With both sides doubling down—Lively hiring a CIA alum for legal strategy and Baldoni launching a website to release evidence—the case continues to captivate public attention.
As the trial date approaches in March 2026, the entertainment world will be watching closely. Not only does this case have serious reputational and financial stakes for those involved, but it also raises broader questions about power dynamics, accountability, and transparency in the film industry. Whatever the final verdict, it’s clear that the courtroom drama surrounding It Ends With Us has become as headline-making as the movie itself.
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